Israeli Defense Minister Vows to Build “Jewish Israeli State” in the West Bank Amid Ceasefire Tensions
Israel's Defense Minister Katz vows to expand West Bank settlements, defying international pressure, while Hamas rejects a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal. With the conflict in its 20th month, settlement expansion risks further undermining peace efforts.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Friday that Israel will proceed with building what he termed the “Jewish Israeli state” in the West Bank, a day after Tel Aviv approved the establishment of 22 new settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In a bold statement issued by his office, Katz proclaimed, “This is a decisive response to the terrorist organizations that seek to harm us and weaken our hold on this land. It is also a clear message to [French President Emmanuel] Macron and his friends: they may recognize a Palestinian state on paper, but we will build the Jewish Israeli state here on the ground.”
Katz’s declaration comes amid heightened diplomatic and military developments, including a proposed U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal aimed at halting the ongoing war in Gaza.
U.S. Proposes Ceasefire Deal as War Enters 20th Month
On Thursday, May 29, the White House announced that Israel had accepted a new U.S.-drafted ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, which was also presented to Hamas. However, the Palestinian faction said the offer "does not meet any of our people's demands."
The conflict, now in its 20th month, has continued unabated despite international efforts to mediate a resolution. After a two-month truce, Israel resumed its military operations in mid-March and intensified its campaign on May 17, declaring its objective to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of Israeli hostages abducted during the group’s unprecedented October 7, 2023, attack.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Thursday that President Donald Trump and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff had delivered the proposal to Hamas, stating, “Israel had signed the proposal before it was sent to Hamas.”
Despite this, Israeli authorities have yet to publicly confirm their acceptance of the new terms.
A Deepening Divide
The Israeli Defense Minister’s statement and the expansion of settlements threaten to further derail ceasefire efforts and exacerbate an already volatile regional situation. While international actors push for de-escalation and negotiated peace, Israel’s internal policies—especially regarding the West Bank—signal a sharp turn toward consolidation of territorial control.
